Types of Camps

Every camp in America is unique; they vary depending on location, environment, activities, facilities and campers. All the camps CCUSA works with are carefully reviewed by CCUSA and match our high standards and the standards of the American Camp Association (ACA). You will be required to choose at least four of these camp types (five if you are applying to work as Support Staff). These camps hire Counselors (general and activity instructors) and Support Staff (in all operational areas of camp, such as cleaning, maintenance or kitchen positions).

Traditional Program Camps

(Independent/Private camps and Agency camps) 
Based on traditional camp values, campers stay overnight for one to eight weeks and participate in typical summer camp activities. These camps are separated into either co-educational or single-gender (often with a brother/sister camp nearby). Traditional Independent/Private camps generally service campers from middle to high income families, with many campers returning year after year. Traditional Agency camps strive to form a community of understanding and cooperation in a fun, healthy environment. Operated by the YMCA, YMHA, JCC, 4-H, and other community organizations, campers of all socioeconomic backgrounds attend these camps. 

Specialty Program Camps

Based on one or more of the main activity areas at camp, such as Land or Water Sports, Adventure/Ropes, Creative or Performing Arts, or designed for the entire family to experience camp together. These camps help teach, develop and expand any specific skill that campers may already have or wish to learn. Counselors at these camps tend to specialize in a specific skill set. Although these camps specialize, they still run on a traditional camp structure and philosophy.  Many incorporate general activities during the day to introduce campers to other skills.  Some specialty camps include both children and their parents.

Girl Scout Camps

(Scouting experience not necessary) 
These girls-only camps require counselors to help lead and assist in a variety of camp activities. Many specialize in Outdoor Adventure, Camping, or Pioneering, and follow traditional philosophies of the Girl Scouts and Guides. Sessions usually last one or two weeks.  Counselor, Support Staff, and camper accommodation will either be platform tents, cabins, or lodges.

Underprivileged/Inner-City Children Camps

Social, government, and charitable agencies such as the Salvation Army, Department of Youth and Family Services, and the Fresh Air Fund oversee and help to fund these camps. Campers of many different ethnic, social, and racial backgrounds attend these one- or two-week camps that emphasize recreational sports, games, pioneering and camping skills at little or no cost to the parents.  Some campers may have had difficult life experiences and tend to be tough and streetwise. For many children this is their first rural experience, and you can make a big difference in their lives by working with them at camp

Special Needs Camps  

(No experience necessary)
Operated and funded by non-profit agencies or private organizations, these camps serve children and/or adult campers who need extra attention because of physical and/or developmental challenges /disabilities. Camp focus on either one or a range of different disabilities. Counselors help campers participate in a wide range of traditional camp activities, while helping them with social/interpersonal skills and their daily living tasks (eating, dressing, showering, etc.). The activities taught at camp are adapted to the ability level of each individual camper. There is usually one Counselor to care for one to three campers, and sessions normally last six to nine days. Work at a Special Needs camp can have it's challenges but is a very rewarding experience.

Camps for Campers with Specific Requirements

(No experience necessary)
These camps service campers with specific medical conditions or impairments.  These may include emotional disorders, learning disabilities (such as ADD and ADHD), diabetes, terminal illnesses, hearing/sight impairment, and weight control.  Sessions normally last one to two weeks.  Activities are similar to those at traditional camps but are adapted to the ability of the campers. Counselors work in small camper groups, allowing special time and attention for each camper.  Many campers will take medication and the camps usually have full-time nursing support.

Religious Camps

These camps usually have one-week sessions that emphasize a fun outdoor experience while promoting the values of the Christian (e.g. Catholic, Anglican, Episcopalian) or Jewish faiths. CCUSA works with a wide spectrum of religious camps, ranging from conservative to liberal philosophies.  Counselors with a strong religious belief system will have the opportunity to lead devotionals and Bible or Torah studies. For those wishing to learn more about religious lifestyles, there are camps that allow campers to find their own spiritual path.  In addition to spiritual teaching, many traditional camp activities are offered.

Day Camps

Typically located in the suburbs and offering a variety of general camp activities, these camps usually operate Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. Camps can operate in multiple locations from a city park, beach, church hall, or community center to being part of a residential camp. Although normally free on weekends and evenings, you may be required to run some overnight trips and weekend activities.  Camps arrange housing and meals for international staff, often with host families.